In July, Hong Kong's overall export and import values increased by 50.7% and 41% year-on-year, respectively.

On August 25, the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department released statistics on external merchandise trade, indicating that in July 2026, both the overall export and import values of Hong Kong recorded year-on-year increases of 50.7% and 41.0%, respectively. Following a year-on-year increase of 53.4% in June 2026, the overall merchandise export value in July 2026 reached HK$672.5 billion, up 50.7% compared to the same month in 2025. Simultaneously, after a year-on-year increase of 45.4% in June 2026, the merchandise import value in July 2026 was HK$677.4 billion, up 41.0% from the same month in 2025. In July 2026, a tangible trade deficit of HK$4.9 billion was recorded, equivalent to 0.7% of the merchandise import value. For the first seven months of 2026, the overall merchandise export value increased by 40.9% compared to the same period in 2025. At the same time, the merchandise import value rose by 40.6%. A tangible trade deficit of HK$299.4 billion was recorded in the first seven months of 2026, which amounted to 6.8% of the merchandise import value. Seasonally adjusted figures show that when comparing the three months ending in July 2026 with the previous three months, the overall merchandise export value increased by 8.4%. Meanwhile, the merchandise import value rose by 2.3%. By country/region analysis In July 2026, compared to the same month in 2025, the overall export value to Asia increased by 54.6%. Within this region, most major destinations recorded increases in overall export values, particularly in Taiwan (up 95.7%), Vietnam (up 77.7%), Thailand (up 63.1%), Mainland China (up 56.5%), Singapore (up 46.5%), and Malaysia (up 41.5%). Aside from Asian destinations, most major destinations in other regions also saw increases in overall export values, especially the United States (up 92.9%) and Mexico (up 48.9%). During the same period, import values from most major supplying regions increased, particularly from South Korea (up 146.6%), India (up 110.7%), the United Kingdom (up 106.3%), Malaysia (up 66.7%), the United States (up 62.6%), and Mainland China (up 37.1%). In the first seven months of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, overall export values to most major destinations recorded increases, particularly in Singapore (up 82.6%), Taiwan (up 73.4%), the United States (up 63.2%), Thailand (up 55.6%), Vietnam (up 50.4%), and Mainland China (up 44.6%). At the same time, import values from most major supplying regions also showed increases, particularly from South Korea (up 122.2%), India (up 105.7%), the United Kingdom (up 88.3%), Vietnam (up 72.0%), Malaysia (up 45.9%), and Mainland China (up 43.2%). By major product category analysis In July 2026, compared to the same month in 2025, the overall export value of most major product categories recorded increases, particularly in "electrical machinery, instruments and apparatus, and parts" (up HK$121.6 billion, up 54.0%) and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (up HK$54.3 billion, up 106.5%). During the same period, the import values of most major product categories also increased, especially in "electrical machinery, instruments and apparatus, and parts" (up HK$104.0 billion, up 47.1%), "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (up HK$33.9 billion, up 78.9%), and "non-ferrous metals" (up HK$22.7 billion, up 242.5%). In the first seven months of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, the overall export values of most major product categories recorded increases, particularly in "electrical machinery, instruments and apparatus, and parts" (up HK$682.9 billion, up 48.8%), "communication, recording and sound recording equipment and instruments" (up HK$179.5 billion, up 54.3%), and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (up HK$176.9 billion, up 42.7%). Simultaneously, the import values of most major product categories showed increases, particularly in "electrical machinery, instruments and apparatus, and parts" (up HK$661.0 billion, up 47.0%), "communication, recording and sound recording equipment and instruments" (up HK$219.1 billion, up 62.2%), and "non-ferrous metals" (up HK$115.7 billion, up 205.2%). A government spokesperson stated that merchandise exports soared further in July, with export values rising by 50.7%. Notably, exports of AI-related electronic products recorded particularly significant growth. Exports to most major markets continued to rise sharply. Looking ahead, the strong global demand for AI-related electronic products is expected to continue supporting Hong Kong's merchandise trade performance. However, downside risks remain. The geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, trade protectionism in developed economies, and the risks associated with the rapid expansion of global AI investments are all factors that warrant close attention.